Vodafone is donating 1,000 new smartphones and 2000 x €20 credit top-ups to ALONE to help elderly people stay in contact with loved ones.
The coronavirus crisis means many elderly people are isolated from their family and friends and can only make contact by phone.
The donated phones will be distributed by ALONE and its partners, who are working together to support older people at this time.
A spokesman said: "Vodafone Ireland has ensured that these smartphones are pre-loaded with a number of useful applications including WhatsApp, Facebook, Spotify, RTÉ News along with information about online food deliveries and other important phone numbers, including the ALONE national helpline."
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said: “We are hugely grateful to Vodafone for their support, particularly at this difficult time for all of us.
"This crisis is proving particularly challenging for older people and especially those who are most vulnerable and living on their own.
"It is vital that older people are able to reach the people and organisations they need, and that they know that while we all may be staying apart, they are not alone.
"This support from Vodafone will enable older people we work with to stay linked in, and able to access any assistance they need at this time.
"As we are all physically distant at the moment, staying connected is more important than ever.”
Vodafone Ireland is also making an emergency donation to Women's Aid so that the charity can provide immediate assistance and services to women identified as being under increased threat from abuse and violence during this time.
Women's Aid have revealed that their helpline has been inundated with calls from women on a daily basis at a heightened state of alert, trauma and anxiety because of the emergency.
According to the charity, the current situation presents a perfect storm of circumstances, which is likely to see an increase in the number and the severity of incidents of domestic abuse.
Vodafone also said they would offer priority assistance to the elderly and vulnerable groups in their stores up to 12pm daily and up to 2pm on Sundays.
